Phlebotomist- CMH Laboratory

Position Summary:
The Phlebotomist has the primary responsibility of assuring proper procurement of specimens for clinical testing. This may include collection, transportation, ordering, labeling and processing of specimens as well as other support duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications:
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Communication Skills: Ability to respond appropriately to customer/co-worker Interaction with a wide variety of people Maintain confidential information Ability to communicate only the facts to recipients or to decline to reveal information Ability to project a professional, friendly, helpful demeanorComputer Skills: Basic computer knowledge: Uses word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail application, and web browser. Comfortable within a Windows OS and learning new applications. Windows Operating System E-mail application

Essential Functions:

• Contributes to quality patient care by performing accurate and timely collection and transport of clinical specimens by utilizing established procedures.Identifies patients using proper procedures prior to specimen collection.Follows proper procedure in collection of specimens by venipuncture and micro-collection.Accurately and legibly labels specimens collected placing initials on label for identification.Collects quality specimens as assessed by low rejection rate.Expedites STAT and highest priority specimens without delays.Collects specimens in a timely manner.Follows up with appropriate staff when collection cannot be completed or will be delayed.Follows up on uncollected specimens.Transports specimens following established protocol (i.e. on ice, kept in dark, etc.)Follows UnityPoint Health Peoria safety policies.Verifies specimen requirements or handling prior to collection if unfamiliar with test names.Instructs patients, administers glucose solution, and collections blood specimens for glucose tolerance testing according to protocol.Follows age specific care guidelines when procuring blood specimens from elderly patients (over 65 years of age):Takes care to help build and protect sense of worth and feelings of adequacy: calls by name, faces patient, enunciates clearly, does not shout, explains slow and clearly, gives patient as much control over situation as possible.Takes care when moving or bending arms or hands for procedures.Carefully removes bandages to prevent skin damage.Warns patient before turning on light.Lowers volume of TV, radio when speaking to patient.Gives detailed and repeated instructions including where they are and what is being done.Always returns bed rails to raised position.Follows age specific care guidelines when procuring blood specimens from adult patients:Calls patient by name.Faces patient when talking.Gives detailed instructions of what is being done.Returns bed rails to raised position if lowered during procedure.Follows age specific care guidelines when procuring blood specimens from Neonate, Child or Adolescent:Communicates to neonate using gentle physical communication rather than verbally, if communicating verbally uses a soft tone of voice, increases sense of security by holding or cuddling.Informs toddler (1-3 years of age) of order of events, does not restrain if possible, encourages child with comments to boost self-esteem and reinforce trust ("You were good" or "You did a good job".Explains accurate account of events to Preschooler (3-6 years of age) telling them when any pain should be felt; reassures child that procedure is to help not punishment; encourages verbal protests in place of physical resistance; performs phlebotomy procedures as quickly as possible to decrease anxiety level; rewards with stickers and special Band-Aids.Explains procedure to Child/Adolescent (6-12 years age). Allow child-adolescent their own routine to deal with fear or pain, provides atmosphere that allows them to feel free to cry, get angry, or be upset.Always returns bed rails to raised position.
• Processes and prepares clinical specimens for analysis following established procedures in accordance with certification standards. Ensures specimen integrity throughout the specimen handling process and distributes work in such a way as to process by highest priority.Matches barcode label with proper specimen upon receipt of specimen.Places label on specimen properly and places initials on label including aliquoted specimens.Operates centrifuge according to standard operating procedureSort all specimens by testing site/analyzer and delivers to correct location.Processes and distributes specimens according to highest priority (i.e. STAT,TS, RT,etc.)Processes in a timely manner.Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance on label printers, centrifuges, and other processing equipment.Properly stores specimens according to protocol.Verifies specimen requirements or handling when unsure/unfamiliar